As he prepares to hand over the baton, outgoing President Laurie took the opportunity to address his Fellow Leeton Rotarians, thanking them for giving him the opportunity to summarise our year together.
“Firstly, can I sincerely thank you for the opportunity you provided me to be your President. I cannot pretend that the Rotary year was everything I had wished for. Although I had great ambitions, things went a little askew from the start.
We had planned a wonderful ‘soup kitchen’ for the Art Deco Festival but it had to be cancelled, quickly followed by the ball – despite the groundwork by Brian and Bruer. We also had to cancel a few meetings due to the COVID restrictions but we were able to get back on track.
We did have a few highlights, our restricted ham carnival was relatively successful. The Australia Day breakfast proved, once again, that the members turn up when needed.
Market days were usually well attended and I must highlight the work that Dan has put into these events. One market day was followed by the barbecue for the Sporting Walk of Fame launch. Well done to Dan and the whole club for pulling that together.
Recently there was the week when we supported the RYDA event and hosted the Men’s Health Van, at the same time. Once again, the whole club rallied with their support. The Leeton Cadets have helped us out on some occasions and I thank them for their support. Lately we have been involved in the restoration of the Showground gates. Thankyou to all involved – particularly Bill and Dan. I believe this to be an excellent result. Those who went on the Corowa trip really enjoyed the experience (and we learnt something about another Rotary group). We had a change of venue during the year, but not caterer. Thanks to Matt, Maria and their team for helping to make our meetings great social occasions. Membership has not changed significantly during the year, we welcomed Jennifer and Salim, but farewelled Neil and John. We wish Bob well as he recovers from serious illness.
Sometimes your just have to lie down on the job to get the job done.
As a result of your fund raising efforts we will be able to distribute over $15,000 to Rotary organisations and community groups such as the Rotary Flood appeal, Cancer Patients Assistance, Friends of Luro, Leeton Cadets, Eisteddfod Society, Leeton Jumpstart, The Town Band, the VRA and various Schools as well as supporting Isabelle Pretty to attend NYSF.
I said at the outset that the year has not been everything I could have wished for. But this is not due to you as members – you have been very supportive of our activities. Nor is it due to the Board who has been great (I cannot imagine a more supportive group of Rotarians). I would particularly like to thank Brian, an extremely supportive secretary; Len for his role as Treasurer and guiding us through a bank change; Dan for his incredibly dedicated work on our Community Service; Nicholas for arranging such an interesting and varied program; to Carmel for her PR role – particularly her work on the bulletin each week and to Bruer for helping to kick start Youth Exchange again and for his work on RYDA. Although Greg, Barry and Geoff had less to do they were always there for me and I am thankful.
I know there will be challenges ahead but I am confident that, with you great people and the new management, we will continue to grow as a group and as Rotarians.
I believe we have collectively done our best to ‘Serve to Change Lives’ and that we have the imagination to “Imagine (a better) Rotary’ in 2022/2023.
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Carmel’s Riddle of the Week 
Leeton Showground Gate Project
Stupid Silly Joke 
Leeton Showground Gate Project
